Warming Safety & Temperature Recommendations for Warming Cabinets

Posted by
Lauren Burke on
Friday, November 9, 2018

What you should know about Warming Cabinets

The benefits of warming cabinets are apparent. For example, academic research shows that pre-warmed fluid can reduce the risk of peri-operative hypothermia. On the other hand, warming blankets are as much about comfort as controlling body temperature. Warming is the key to maintaining normothermia and relieving patient stress. Besides, nothing makes a new mom feel more pampered than a prewarmed blanket.

While some might worry about the risk of burns, most warming cabinets and all of Enthermics’ warming cabinets operate in a range of temperatures that have been deemed safe. The goal of these medical devices is to warm fluid and blankets to a safe temperature.

AORN provides warming guidelines for nurses using these cabinets. Manufacturers such as Enthermics also include clear instructions on handling their cabinets. The combination of these two resources makes warming safer.

What are the AORN Warming Guidelines?

The Association of PeriOperative Registered Nurses provides essential guidelines for managing temperature ranges for both fluid and blanket warming cabinets.

Fluid Warming:

Temperature range should follow manufacturer’s specifications.

Post temperature criteria on each cabinet for reference.

The facility should require a set and consistent temperature for all fluid warming devices.

Keep a log documenting regular temperature checks of the fluid warming cabinet to ensure it complies and works correctly.

In addition, AORN recommends following the solution supplies guidelines for how long fluids remain in the cabinet. If not available, contact the warmer manufacturer for more information. List these parameters on the cabinet for reference, as well.

Blanket Warming:

An interdisciplinary team should conduct a risk assessment to determine the proper blanket warming temperatures using data-driven evidence and the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Post temperature standards on each cabinet for staff reference.

A log should document frequent temperature checks for the cabinet to ensure proper functioning and temperature maintenance.

Enthermics also designs their fluid warmers and blanket warming units with safety features and provides a guideline for use.

Enthermics Usage Guidelines and Safety Parameters

Enthermics is a pioneer in the field of whole body hyperthermia and patient warming technology.

Understandably, safety is the primary concern for them as they design new and improve warming technology.

The temperature can be locked on all Enthermics cabinets to avoid unintentional temperature changes

Enthermics offers a plug for the installation of third party monitoring devices

Enthermics cautions it’s users not to mix fluids and blankets in the same cavity due to different temperature recommendations. As a solution, they offer combination warming cabinets allowing users to safely warm both fluids and blankets in the same unit using designated cavities.

Do no harm is the belief that all medical practitioners abide by and that means putting safety first. Fluid and blanket warmers are a proactive way to improve patient comfort and outcomes.

To find out more about warmer safety and the features built into our devices, give Enthermics a call today.